Hello from a newbie

[PJL]

Just found this site while reading up about the via Podensis.
Brand new 1st timer, hitting El Camino in September - meeting my French cousins there - not sure how much fitter/faster they are than me... so I've starting training! Very excited to start something from my Bucket list and a bit apprehensive too...
Being from NZ, I was wanting to get in touch with Alwyn? from Wellington.
I'm not very good at navigating Facebook or Blogs so not sure has this Post is going to work out...or even if I'll be able to find it again
Interesting and useful reading everyone - thanks for sharing

 

[trecile]

I'm not very good at navigating Facebook or Blogs

This forum is neither Facebook or a blog - you are doing just fine.
Hopefully @AlwynWellington sees this thread.

 

[natefaith]

Welcome to the Forum @PJL!
Enjoy the training and the prep. Buen Camino.

 

[Marbe2]

Maybe download Whatsapp.com Many pilgrims use it to contact accommodations. Maybe he uses it?

WhatsApp | Secure and Reliable Free Private Messaging and Calling

Use WhatsApp Messenger to stay in touch with friends and family. WhatsApp is free and offers simple, secure, reliable messaging and calling, available on phones all over the world.

www.whatsapp.com

 

[CWBuff]

Just found this site while reading up about the via Podensis.
Brand new 1st timer, hitting El Camino in September - meeting my French cousins there - not sure how much fitter/faster they are than me... so I've starting training!

Hello and welcome to the Forum
One advice I can humbly give you right off the bat is NOT to try and keep up with your cousins if they are faster than you (fitter may not necessary have anything to do with that speed)

The rule of thumb in a "good" group always was "to move as fast as the slower walker". if for whatever reason that does not work and lets say nobody is willing to fall back with you - by all means let everyone go ahead at their own speed and set a meeting point (next town or even the EoD albergue where you all stay) and move on as comfortable as you feel. I've seen enough "poor" Pilgrims struggling because they tried to keep up and in the process caused themselves injuries and then were frustrated mentally as well.
This is NOT a Marathon!!!!!

Good luck and Buen Camino!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@PJL , welcome to the forum. Lucky you doing the Via Podiensis with your cousins - some struggle because they can't speak French, you've got translators with you! Mind you, if they're cousins I'm guessing you speak at least some French?

I plan to walk it next year, enjoy!